Defense Secretary orders immediate arrest of all armed forces deserters

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, says he has issued an order for the immediate arrest of all deserters from the security forces.

Responding to a journalist’s inquiry about reports that army soldiers with weapons training were involved in a significant number of recent crimes, the Defense Secretary highlighted the Ministry’s concern over the issue. 

He explained, “We have drawn attention to the recent incidents. Many military personnel have been arrested. As a solution to that, there is actually a social problem here. We have confirmed through investigation that military officers who have illegally deserted the military before completing their full service period have a high probability of getting involved with the underworld.”

He further emphasized that deserters who receive weapons training for a short period, like a year or two, and then leave the military, are more likely to engage in criminal activities. 

“We gave an order a few days ago to take action to arrest such people. We have provided facilities for arresting them through the military police. We have come to that decision,” he added.

The Defense Secretary noted that a significant number of military personnel have already deserted in this manner, which has now become a social issue.

He also assured that there is no political protection for underworld activities, adding that the necessary legal actions have been promptly taken. 

In addition, he revealed that an audit of firearms has been conducted, with a significant amount now under the control of the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, during a special press conference held at the Government Information Department on February 22, the Defence Secretary had also revealed that it has been observed that there is a tendency for armed forces personnel with weapons training to desert the Tri-Forces and engage in criminal activities or join underworld criminal gangs.

He further stated that an order has been issued to arrest such individuals, emphasizing that both the military and the police are capable of tracking down and apprehending military deserters with weapons training within a short period.

When inquired by a journalist as to whether active-duty military personnel are also involved with criminal groups, the Defence Secretary admitted that some soldiers have been found to have ties to criminals due to economic difficulties and drug addiction.

In response, he assured that measures will be taken to identify and arrest such military personnel in the future.